Choosing A Bathroom Fan

Choosing a bathroom fan doesn't have to be difficult and you might think that they're pretty much all the same. However despite the seeming similarities among them, there are differences and ones that go beyond just aesthetics.

If you're reading this page you probably don't need to be convinced of the need for good bathroom ventilation. Once you're beyond that point however you'll need to determine the size of the fan your bathroom requires. There are guidelines to help you figure this out so don't fret if you never studied fluid dynamics.

Other factors you'll need to consider include the fan's sound volume, energy efficiency and whether you need a new fan or just an upgrade kit.

There are good bathroom fan choices on the market today that are much better than their old predecessors. It's just a matter of matching your home's ventilation needs with your preferences.

Why Do I Need A Bathroom Fan?

Bathroom fans are important particularly in bathrooms with showers and tubs because the moisture and humidity that's generated there isn't good for your home. The best and most effective way to get rid of that moisture is to install and use a bathroom ventilation fan.

If you don't have any bath ventilation or you just don't use it you know what it's like when you step out of the shower. The mirror's fogged up and the walls and countertop have a moist coating.

The problem with all this moisture is that it can lead to the growth of mold that's both unhealthy and can damage your home. Constant exposure to moisture is also detrimental to some of the materials in and around your bathroom. Getting rid of the moisture as it's produced is the best defense against the problems caused by excess wetness.

Another reason to use bathroom ventilation is to help improve your home's indoor air quality. Odors and indoor pollutants become more prevalent in "tight" houses that are built or remodeled to be more energy efficient. They're not as "leaky" as older houses and without proper ventilation, these contaminants remain in the house longer. A bathroom fan helps to eliminate some of these pollutants by providing a ventilation outlet.

What To Know & Look For

Choosing a bathroom fan involves knowing how to properly size the unit for your space in addition to what preferences you have regarding its operation. Before we get into the details let's take a look at the 3 main types of bath fans that you can install.

Types Of Bath Fans

Inline (Remote) - Inline fans are also called remote bath fans because the fan unit is located in an area away from th...